Loras College Announces Transition to an Ultrabook (Twist) Campus

1/24/2013

Loras College announces a transition to new laptops for students to use in the next academic year. The Lenovo ThinkPad Twist Convertible Ultrabook will replace the Lenovo ThinkPad 410. Enabled with Windows 8 touch screen capability, the Twist can be used as either a tablet or a laptop.

Technology is an important component of the Loras experience. Loras is a technology-centered campus that is continually upgrading to meet student needs. Toward the end of fall semester, the Information Technology department at Loras tested the desirability and capabilities of several laptops, including the Lenovo Twist. The testing included focus groups as well as an online survey where students could rate their favorite laptop among several options.

At the end of the testing period, there was a clear preference for moving toward the twist. “The vast majority of students said that this fresh and new device had potential to change the way they learned in the classroom,” said Jim Anderson, Chief Technology Officer.

The Lenovo Twist includes some unique features such as Windows 8 and a touch screen, which makes it an innovative laptop that will give students a special advantage and will maintain Loras’ edge in technology. “It is what the world is referring to as an “Ultrabook” because it functions as a laptop, but folds down into a tablet when you want to use the touch screen.” Anderson explained.

Loras has been a laptop (Lenovo ThinkPad) campus for the past 14 years and will be the first higher education institution in Iowa to commit to the Lenovo Twist. Students can take their laptops everywhere, on-or off-campus, studying abroad, service trips, or home for breaks.